GUAM – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has called on the Guam Legislature to convene in emergency session to protect $104 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds earmarked for critical utility projects.
In a formal request to Speaker Frank Blas, the Governor urged senators to take up and pass Bill No. 2(1-S), which would suspend the application of 5 GCA § 5150 for Guam Power Authority (GPA) and Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) contracts tied to power, water, and wastewater upgrades in Mangilao. Without legislative action, the remaining ARPA funds risk being lost.
“The time has come for the Legislature to decide: are they willing to stand by and risk losing $104 million in precious federal funding, or will they take decisive action to get these projects started?” Leon Guerrero said.
She emphasized that ARPA-funded improvements are vital for communities still struggling after Typhoon Mawar. “The village of Mangilao was the last to be restored with water service following Typhoon Mawar. The people of Mangilao are calling out for relief, and our Legislature has the power in their hands to change the lives of our people for the better,” she said.
Under federal rules, ARPA funds must be spent by December 31, 2026, or be returned to the U.S. Treasury. GPA and GWA are prepared to move forward with procurement as soon as the Legislature acts.
